Fewer students, bigger budgets: Long Island school budgets, reserves and enrollment, 2022–23 to 2026–27

Across all 121 Nassau and Suffolk public school districts, PTRC enrollment fell from 419,578 in 2022–23 to 402,760 in 2026–27 (−16,818, −4.01%) while total proposed budgets rose from $14.32 billion to $16.88 billion (+17.87%) and restricted reserves rose from $2.04 billion to $2.51 billion (+22.59%). Budget per student, derived from PTRC budget ÷ enrollment, rose 22.80% to $41,913. Sixty-five districts lost students while both budgets and restricted reserves grew. Seven districts report unrestricted fund balance above New York’s 4.0% cap. NYSED Property Tax Report Cards, proposed-year columns with revote overlays — not audited ST-3 actuals.

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